Meet Ruchun, Jacqueline, Jake and Maryam

Ruchun, Jacqueline, Jake and Maryam. Photo: Chemistry Section

Why did you choose the MSc in Analytical Chemistry?

Ruchun: "I honestly didn’t think that much, I had a very nice analytical chemistry teacher, and I accidently joined her lab during my bachelor studies. … I thought since I had experience in this field, I kind of just followed the path, and also I was always amazed by how brilliant the state-of-the-art instruments are."

Maryam: "I had several years of experience working in a pharmaceutical company as a QC expert. Although it was a valuable experience, I found the work quite repetitive and wanted to move toward a more creative and research‑oriented role… To achieve that, I needed to deepen my knowledge and keep up with advances in analytical techniques. This program has definitely met my expectations; we’ve had great opportunities to work with advanced instruments through short projects."

Jake: "In undergrad I was the most interested in analytical chemistry… After consulting with my advisor… I found some articles published by the teachers in the program on work applying AI/ML to chemistry which I was extremely fascinated by. … After being admitted to the program I can confirm that the research and courses taught in the program have lived up to or exceeded my expectations… After my first year in the program I feel more confident in my abilities, and more certain about the direction I want to continue for the future."

Jacqueline: “I chose Analytical Chemistry because analytical chemistry was my favorite subject during my undergraduate studies. I was also drawn to the fact that analytical chemistry is such a broad field with applications in many industries.”

What did you study before joining the programme?

Ruchun: “I studied Applied chemistry in Southwest university in Chongqing province, China.”

Maryam: “I studied Chemistry at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran.”

Jake: “I received my bachelors of science in chemistry from the Pennsylvania State University, US.”

Jacqueline: “For my undergraduate degree, I studied Chemistry at Stockholm University.”

How has studying in an international environment influenced your experience?

Ruchun: "Being in an international environment means constantly encountering these collisions of thought; it always offers new perspectives and reshapes my way of understanding."

Maryam: "It’s my first time studying in an international environment, and it has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much about different cultures, foods, and behaviors, and at the same time, I’ve realized how much we all share in common."

Jake: "Being able to study in such an international environment has given me access to a diverse range of viewpoints and experiences … The entire program has been very collaborative so we are learning not only from our instructors but also from each other, further enriching our learning environment."

Which course or project has had the biggest impact on your learning?

Ruchun: "For me I think it’s the Advanced Data Analysis course. This course was really hard for me, and I spent so much time on it and it made me realize I just need to put work into it, it will pay off, and I’ll be fine. It’s a source of validation for myself."

Maryam: "The Mass Spectrometry course had the biggest impact on me, I learned a lot, and it was exactly the kind of advanced, practical knowledge I was looking for. I also found the textile project very eye‑opening; it changed my perspective on clothing and its environmental impact."

Jake: "The course that had the biggest impact on my learning was the Advanced Data Analysis course as it taught me to handle large amounts of data in new ways… In another course I had nearly one hundred PDFs each with experimental results and I was able to use my new skills in R to extract and compile the information into one dataframe in a fraction of the time it would have taken manually."

Jacqueline: "I would say that several courses have had big impacts on my learning, in addition to what has been mentioned I would particularly point out the Bioanalytical Chemistry… In bioanalytical chemistry I appreciated the hands‑on labs where we had the opportunity to apply different analysis methods in practice."

What are your plans after graduation?

Maryam: "I see myself working as an expert analytical chemist, possibly in R&D. This program is giving me both the theoretical foundation and the practical experience I need to reach that goal."

Jake: "After I graduate, my goal is to continue on with my education and pursue a PhD. This program has prepared me educationally for my PhD, but had also helped to confirm the subject area I am most passionate about and want to further pursue."

Jacqueline: "After graduating I am hoping to work as an analytical chemist, applying the skills I’ve developed throughout my studies."

What advice would you give to someone considering applying?

Jacqueline: "I would recommend the program, it is a great learning experience."

Ruchun: "Be prepared that the program is intense, more intense than you think, be prepared to struggle… Know everyone is supportive and want to help, you can trust people and reach out… Be dedicated to the study and the work, don’t slack off too much. It will reward you. Be brave and enjoy."

Maryam: "If you’re passionate about chemistry and want to strengthen your knowledge, don’t hesitate. Step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and give your best effort."